Rugby is a sport that, although not as popular as football or basketball in some regions, has gained a solid fan base around the world and on betting sites.
This sport offers an exciting experience for both fans and bettors, who can enjoy a wide variety of bet types on online platforms.
Below, we will explain the most common types of rugby bets, from basic bets to more advanced options.
1. Match Winner (Moneyline) Bet
The most basic and popular bet in rugby is the match winner or “Moneyline” bet. In this bet, the bettor simply chooses which team will win the match. There is no point spread or other complications – if the team you selected wins, you win the bet. This is a perfect option for newbies or those who prefer a straightforward and simple bet.
Rugby being a high intensity sport with results that are often very close, makes this option quite exciting, especially in matches between teams of similar levels.
2. Handicap or Point Spread Betting
Handicap is one of the most popular forms of betting in rugby and aims to balance the odds when one team is clearly the favourite. In a handicap bet, a point spread is assigned to the underdog team or points are subtracted from the favourite team. For example, if the favourite team has a handicap of -7.5 points, they will need to win the match by 8 points or more for your bet to be a winner.
This form of betting is popular because it allows punters to get better odds when betting on a favourite or they can increase their chances by betting on the underdog team with a points advantage.
3. Total Points (Over/Under)
In total points bets, punters are not concerned with who will win the match, but rather with the total number of points that will be scored between the two teams. The betting platform sets a specific number of points (for example, 45.5) and the punter must decide whether they think the total points will be more (over) or less (under) than that number.
This type of bet is ideal for those who closely follow team statistics and have an idea of the playing style of both contenders. Teams with an attacking focus or matches where high scoring is expected often attract a lot of “over” bets.
4. First Team to Score Bet
Another popular bet in rugby is the first team to score bet. In this bet, punters try to predict which team will score the first points of the match, whether it be with a try, penalty or drop goal. This type of bet adds excitement right from the start of the game and is perfect for those who enjoy the adrenaline rush early in the match.
5. Try Betting
Try betting is one of the most exciting parts of rugby, and online platforms allow you to place specific bets on it. Some of the options include:
- First player to score a try: This bets on which player will be the first to score a try during the match.
- Last player to score a try: Similar to the above, but in this case you bet on the player who will score the last try.
- Total number of tries: This predicts how many tries will be scored in total during the match.
These bets are attractive to those with a deep knowledge of the teams and players, as they require a more detailed analysis of offensive strategies.
6. Live (In-Play) Betting
Live or in-play betting is becoming increasingly popular in rugby. This type of betting allows you to make predictions while the match is in progress. The odds change in real time based on the development of the game, offering dynamic opportunities for punters.
Live betting can include predictions on who will score the next try, which team will have possession at a certain time, or what the exact outcome of a specific play will be. The ability to bet while following the match adds an extra level of excitement and requires quick decisions and real-time analysis.
7. Futures
Futures in rugby, also known as futures, are bets placed before a major season or tournament begins. Bettors predict who will win the championship, which team will be top in their league, or which player will be the top try scorer throughout the competition. These types of bets often have attractive odds, but they also involve higher risk due to long-term uncertainty.
Conclusion
Online betting platforms offer a wide variety of rugby betting types, ranging from the simplest and most accessible bets, such as the match winner, to more complex options such as live or outright betting. With a good understanding of the teams, players and the sport in general, punters can enjoy an exciting and dynamic experience. As always, it is essential to bet responsibly and on regulated platforms to ensure a safe and fair experience.